Slavery vs. Abolitionists
By early 1861 abolitionists like William Lloyd Garrison and Silas Soule began speaking out. They began giving their opinions about slavery. William Lloyd Garrison wrote in the very first issue of the Liberator, "I do not wish to think, or speak, or write, with moderation. . . . I am in earnest-- I will not equivocate -- I will not excuse -- I will not retreat a single inch -- AND I WILL BE HEARD." From the first issue in 1831 until the end of Civil War (1865) he spoke out against slavery and for the black’s rights.
Silas Soule was also an abolitionist, at 15 he started to escort runaway slaves from Missouri through Lawrence, and then north to freedom. When Silas was 18 Missouri slavers on one side and New England abolitionists on the other were armed and fighting for the territory’s future. This was known as ‘Bleeding Kansas.’ Silas mastered hit-and-run tactics, and was soon known as one of Kansas’ most feared jay hawker.
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William Wilberforce.......and....Silas Soule